Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the largest semiconductor foundry with manufacturing operations in Taiwan, U.S. and China is analysing future business opportunities in the photovoltaics industry in an effort to boost revenue and margins. TSMC has appointed Chao Ying-Cheng, its President of its Chinese manufacturing operations to head-up the project.

According to the Financial Times, TSMC is taking a long-term view on the project. Smaller rival, SMIC a China based foundry has already announced a solar cell production project.